Symantec has launched new versions of two of its Internet security software titles. Norton Antivirus 2007 and Norton Internet Security 2007 provide computers with safeguards against spyware, viruses, and even phishing schemes.

Los Angeles (CA) - Panasonic has introduced a pair of rugged laptops that are not only stylish, but also light. The sub-four pound Toughbook CF-T5 and CF-W5 have magnesium-alloy cases and can withstand shock, drops and compression. Company representatives showed off the laptops on video and even flipped open the very small optical drive.

Products utilizing Intel's G965 Express chipset with Shader Model 3.0 support are not among Asustek Computer's current motherboard offerings, though the company released its ASUS P5B-V series in August, featuring the Intel Core 2 processor/G965 chipset platform without Shader Model 3.0, sources indicated.

Amstelveen (The Netherlands) - Canon is raining down four new cameras just before the huge Photokina photography conference in Germany. The cameras are aimed at consumers and use the new DIGIC III image processing chip. All the cameras shoot from 7.1 to 10.0 Megapixel pictures and take full-motion VGA video.

Redmond (WA) - Microsoft today introduced what the company hopes will challenge the market dominance of Apple's Ipod. Zune is the first media player in this segment to offer Wi-Fi connectivity and carries a name that will allow Microsoft to create a competing brand and product family.

Microsoft to announce Zune player this morning
Microsoft is expected to formally announce its Zune portable media player this morning. Zune will be going head-to-head with Apple's Ipod. According to reports published earlier, the player will be available with a 30 GB hard drive, a 3" color screen and Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g connectivity. Pricing for the player is expected to be in the $300 range.
UPDATE: Microsoft launches Zune media player

Seiko Epson Corporation (Epson) has completed development and begun volume production of its new D6 series of high-temperature polysilicon (HTPS) TFT-LCD panels equipped with hybrid driving technology that further enhances the performance of 3LCD type front-projectors and large-screen LCD project-ion TVs.

ViewSonic has showcased the world's first "Made for Ipod" LCD monitor, which features an integrated Ipod dock, at the 2006 Apple Expo in Paris. The ViewDock series LCD monitor has received authorization from Apple, and the new monitors will hit US, Europe and Taiwan markets in November.
More here at DigiTimes.

Redmond (WA) - So you already have sunk your savings into that dual-core PC with dual-graphics and a large flat panel display. If your keyboard and mouse of you sparkling new system now look like the plastic dash in a $75,000 Corvette, then there's a solution. Microsoft will soon be offering new "desktop" sets consisting of fancy keyboards and mice.

Lake Forest (CA) - Western Digital (WD) has caught up with other hard drive manufacturers such as Seagate, Toshiba and Hitachi and is offering its first hard drive that uses perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR). The new 2.5" Scorpio drive stores up to 160 GB. Competitor Toshiba announced a reduced-size 1.8" PMR drive.

Round Rock (TX) - Following Michael Dell's announcement yesterday, Dell today released configuration pages for its initial AMD-based systems this morning. The computers can be ordered now and the company promises to begin shipping the built-to-order systems later this week. Dell heavily promotes the green party, which indicates a long-term commitment to AMD.